MIRAMAR, California –
The 50th CH-53E Super Stallion aircraft recently completed an extensive maintenance process, known as RESET. The program achieved its “golden” milestone in September with the completion and delivery of the aircraft back to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 466, at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California.
RESET is an intensive period of dedicated maintenance for the CH-53E that re-baselines all squadron-level inspections; replaces high-time components; and delivers a leak-free, Full Mission Capable (FMC) aircraft with zero awaiting-maintenance discrepancies back to the warfighter.
The CH-53E helicopter is mainly used for heavy-lift cargo and can lift every Marine aircraft except the KC-130. It has been a powerful workhorse for military operations for more than 30 years. RESET is vital to sustain this aging fleet until the transition to the new heavy lift helicopter, the CH-53K King Stallion, is complete. The first CH-53K squadron, HMH- 461 has already been established in New River, North Carolina.
Since the program’s inception in 2016, RESET aircraft have produced a solid return on investment to the fleet Marine forces by requiring decreased maintenance man hours per flight hour; a reduction in cost per flight hour; increased monthly utilization; a stimulated and more responsive supply chain; and most notably, greatly contributed to a higher overall state of readiness for the entire CH-53E fleet.
To date, these 50 aircraft have amassed 37,173 flight hours in the fleet. With two additional aircraft in RESET final delivery, and another eight aircraft in-process, the program continues to produce FMC, turn-key assets to support the heavy lift needs of the U.S. Marine Corps.
Victoria Falcón supports strategic communications for the H-53 Heavy Lift Helicopters Program Office. 